candlemas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “candlemas” mean?
A Christian feast day on February 2nd commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, marked by the blessing of candles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian feast day on February 2nd commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, marked by the blessing of candles.
Historically, a significant date in the agricultural and folk calendar marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox, associated with weather lore and the end of the Christmas season.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, confined to religious, historical, or folkloric contexts. Slightly more likely to be recognized in the UK due to stronger historical church calendar traditions.
Connotations
Connotes traditional church practices, medieval history, and folk customs. In the UK, may be associated with specific local ceremonies or songs.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Almost exclusively encountered in liturgical calendars, historical texts, or discussions of folk traditions.
Grammar
How to Use “candlemas” in a Sentence
[Observe/Celebrate] + Candlemas[On/At] + CandlemasThe [feast/day] of + CandlemasVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “candlemas” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Candlemas procession is a beautiful tradition.
- They followed the old Candlemas customs.
American English
- The Candlemas service included a candlelit hymn.
- She researched Candlemas folklore for her thesis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or anthropological studies discussing liturgical calendars or medieval traditions.
Everyday
Rarely used. Might be mentioned in church bulletins or by those following traditional calendars.
Technical
Used in liturgical studies as a proper term for a specific feast day (code: FEB2).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “candlemas”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candlemas”
- Writing as 'Candle Mass' (should be one word).
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a candlemas' is incorrect).
- Confusing the date.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a public holiday in most countries, though it remains a feast day in many Christian denominations.
In churches that observe it, there is often a Mass where candles are blessed and sometimes distributed. Historically, it was a day for taking down Christmas decorations.
They fall on the same date (February 2nd) and share weather lore origins. Groundhog Day is a secular American tradition that evolved from European Candlemas weather prophecies.
No, it is a proper noun referring to one specific annual event. You would not say 'Candlemases'.
A Christian feast day on February 2nd commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, marked by the blessing of candles.
Candlemas is usually formal, ecclesiastical, historical in register.
Candlemas: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkænd(ə)lməs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkænd(ə)lməs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight. If Candlemas Day be cloud and rain, winter is gone and will not come again.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Candle + mas (as in 'mass'). Think of a 'Candle Mass' where candles are blessed.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IN DARKNESS (the blessed candles symbolizing Christ as the light), PURIFICATION, TURNING POINT (midpoint of winter).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary significance of Candlemas?